Everyone knows that when it comes to taking the perfect selfie, clear, blemish-free skin is a must. For the not-so-good skin days, a cute filter or photo editing app can make your skin appear flawless in photos. But what about when we’re not behind the camera? We can’t use a filter or editing app to hide our “imperfections” in our day-to-day lives. This is where a daily skincare routine comes in! Hello, perfect skin! Goodbye, filters.

Keep reading to find out more about the importance of a daily skincare routine and how you can develop one that works best for your skin type and needs.

Credit: Matteo Vistocco

WHY A GOOD DAILY SKINCARE ROUTINE MATTERS

Despite our skin being the most exposed of our organs and working 24/7 to protect our bodies from the environment, it often remains neglected. This makes it more susceptible to sun damage, skin diseases, and early signs of ageing. It’s never too early to develop a skincare routine! Even the most basic regime can do wonders for both your skin’s health and defences, especially with commitment and time.

Just as you’d exercise to tone your other body parts, developing a skincare regime is essential to help you maintain the health and natural beauty you were born with. Once your skin is damaged, it can be difficult to revert it to its original state.

You are never too young (or old!) to start caring for your skin. Rather than fighting your way back to younger-looking and clearer skin, it’s best to take a preventative approach and start early. This gives your skin a strong and healthy foundation, preventing damage and delaying signs of ageing.

WHAT GOES INTO A DAILY SKINCARE ROUTINE

Trying something new? A general rule of thumb is to start small and simple. This same rule applies to your newfound skincare routine. It can be hard to develop a good regime with too many speciality products.

No matter your age, the bare minimum should include cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection. Using a gentle cleanser can clear your skin of oil, dirt, and pathogens. A good moisturizer can help maintain your skin’s natural defence mechanisms against infection and other elements. Finally, sunscreen is a must!

Credit: Julia Caesar

While a two-step skincare routine may seem universal, keep in mind that there’s no cookie-cutter regime that works for everyone. It depends on your skin’s individual needs and knowing what products work best for your skin type. This is especially true if you have specific concerns that can’t be treated with a basic regimen. This is where targeted products such as highly concentrated serums come in handy.

Be sure to reach out to a dermatologist or your skincare consultant before starting any skincare regime. They will be able to evaluate your skin and determine the best one for your needs.

“When you look good, you feel good.”

SOME SIDENOTES

– Be mindful of the pretty rings, bands and rocks on your fingers; skincare and beauty products can cause buildup on these. Whenever applying beauty and skincare products, be sure to take your bands off and store them in a safe place first.

– If you’d forgotten to take them off before applying your skincare products, don’t fret. Your jewellery can be easily cleaned! Many jewellers offer cleaning solutions that make it easy to keep your ring(s) polished and shiny in the comfort of your home. Giving a shout out to online jeweler, Blue Nile, that offers a super effective gem and jewellery cleaner, amongst a stunning collection of engagement rings. Consider getting both the cleaner and rings at the same time to protect them from damage from your skincare products.

– If you have sensitive skin, be sure to read the list of ingredients before purchasing and applying skincare products. Certain lotions and products can irritate the skin.

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Everyone talks about the pregnancy glow. Less talked about are the nasties: Zits like back when you were in high school. Dry, flaky skin even when you don’t usually have dry, flaky skin. Days out on the beach are days long gone because — is that another dark mark on your face? We ask you to calm down though — these are all perfectly normal pregnancy skincare skintuations that many women like you face… and there are remedies.

Credit: Josh Bean

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #1: ACNE(WHEN I WAS 13, I HAD MY FIRST LOVE ZIT)

Being a teenager was nothing without bouts of breakouts… but when you’re 30 and pregnant? You might almost wish you weren’t having a baby bump. Pregnancy hormones can send your oil glands into overdrive, creating a breeding ground for acne. Worse, androgen (a male sex hormone) increases during pregnancy, further increasing sebum production, clogging, blackheads and finally, pimples.

The cruellest joke ever? The acne products you used to use are unsafe while you’re pregnant because of the chemicals. Minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline and Accutane, are definitely no-gos as they can cause birth defects. Then, it’s best to stay away from ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid too, since these can enter the bloodstream. Most products are not actually pregnancy-tested…

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Your skin will most likely clear up after pregnancy. In the meantime, here are some quick tips.

Skin Hacks: DON’T SQUEEZE. DON’T PICK. DON’T TOUCH. Opt for ingredients like lactic acid, tea tree oil or sulfur. See a doctor if you’re really sick of the acne that seems persistent and widespread. Instead, cleanse face with a mild, hydrating cleanser. If necessary, use steam to clear clogged pores. Look for non-comedogenic / water-based skincare products as these don’t aggravate oily, acneic skin. Also, contrary to popular belief, you CAN go for facials while pregnant — watch out for the next NannyPrincess Pregnancy Diaries post on this!

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #2: DRY SKIN

Damned hormones. Where you once had smooth, glowing skin, you’re now left with a dryness that doesn’t seem to stop itching.

Why?

It’s really many factors that play a part: More moisture is channelled to care for your baby, thus leaving you high and dry. With the little one inside you, your body temperature also tends to rise, thus literally getting you more hot-headed, stressed and itchy, thus triggering dry skin.

Credit: Juliana Arruda

And the biggest contender (again): hormones. Oddly, those can’t seem to make up their mind between producing too much or too little sebum. Too little oil? You’re facing dryness and decreased elasticity. Too much? What else to do but to keep washing your face, right? Wrong. Washing your face too frequently can actually dehydrate the skin even more.

Skin Hacks: Water — lots of it. Aim for 12 cups a day. Hydrating lotions for milder cases; prescription treatments for severe ones. Warm (not hot!), comforting showers (and oatmeal baths, we hear) work wonders to calm your spirits and skin but don’t spend too long in there or your natural oils will start depleting. Get a humidifier for the bedroom. And our final, favourite trick: Get a high-grade, ultra-hydrating serum loaded with hyaluronic acid to quench your skin’s thirst.

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #3: INCREASED SENSITIVITY(YOUR SKIN IS BEING A BIGGER BABY THAN THE ACTUAL BABY)

As if acne and dry skin weren’t painful enough, your skin might be literally… in pain. The usual facials you go for might verge on painful, your face seems to get red more easily when you’re exfoliating, and your favourite scented lotion is now sitting on its lonesome on your dresser. Your skin is being a total baby.

Why?

… You guessed it. Hormones.

Skin Hacks: Gentle is the name of the game. Swap out scrubs (both for the face and body) for a loofah or a soft, textured washcloth. Switching to unscented / natural lotions and body washes could also help. Apply calamine lotion on itchy spots. Shun products that are heavy with additives, dyes, and / or fragrances, all of which can exacerbate the situation. When in doubt, always check in with your dermatologist, pharmacist or doctor.

“You certainly don’t want anything causing micro-tears on your skin… the more cuts and wounds on your skin, the easier it is for chemicals to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Ingredients to stay away from in soaps and body washes include triclosan, parabens and fragrance.”

| Melissa Schweiger, coauthor of Belli Beautiful: The Essential Guide to the Safest Health and Beauty Products for Pregnancy, Mom, and Baby

Aside from causing hormones to go a little (a lot?) out of whack, pregnancy also increases melanin production. Melanin is responsible for darkening of the skin, and you might be victim to dark patches.

The sun you used to love? That love might be long gone at this point. But it won’t be for ever… the melasma (another name for this pigmentation conundrum) usually fades after pregnancy.

Skin Hacks: If you weren’t religious about sunscreen before, it’s time to start now. An SPF of at least 25 to 30 would do half the trick; the other half would be for you to stay indoors as much as possible to reduce sun exposure. Physical and mineral sunblocks are your safest bets, as chemical sunscreens can irritate your sensitive skin + have potential risks. In more specific words, opt for protection that comes with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #5: STRETCH MARKS(YOU TIGRESS WHO BROUGHT LIFE TO THIS WORLD)

Credit: Chayene Rafaela

A good 50 – 90% of women get these in pregnancy. It isn’t curious—anytime a body grows at a rate at which the body can’t keep up with, these tiger stripes appear. These tend to come fastest in the final trimester when your baby grows the most.

“For most people, whether or not they get stretch marks has to do with genetic predisposition.”

| Glenn Kolansky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist

While there isn’t much you can do to prevent it, there are ways to reduce the risks of developing them (too much), including controlling your weight. Staying hydrated (at least 12 cups of water a day), and eating a healthy and balanced diet (think antioxidants, vitamins, leafies, fatty acids).

Skin Hacks: Thoroughly moisturize, especially areas which are most prone to these marks. These include your belly, boobs, stomach, hips and thighs.

There are superfoods, and then there are wonder foods like the mighty Coconut. This tropical fruit is bursting with health benefits, and natural-beauty sticklers swear by using its oil for just about anything – so we’ve gathered coconuts with its compadres Cucumber, Sage, and Aloe, to bring you our Balance – Daily Cleansing Gel.

…BUT WHY COCONUT?

Products containing coconut (or coconut oil, in particular), as an ingredient are a common sight these days, and for good reason. Coconuts have been proven by 1,500 studies to be one of the healthiest foods with diverse health benefits. The best part that makes it so popular? It doesn’t become rancid! Combined with its exceptional healing properties compared to other dietary oils, this makes it an important ingredient in health and skincare products.

Coconut oil can be regarded as your skin’s best friend as it can be used as a moisturiser, cleanser, and even as a sunscreen!

CONDITION AND SOOTHES SKIN

Coconut oil hydrates and softens the skin and is quickly absorbed. It also clears away dirt and dead skin cells to reveal a healthier and clearer complexion. You don’t have to worry about clogging your pores, as unlike mineral oil, it’s not made from petroleum jelly and is non-comedogenic.

CLEANSE AND TONES SKIN

Coconut oil works great as a cleanser, moisturiser and even a makeup remover! It doesn’t discriminate as it works well with all skin types. It improves collagen cross-linking, which may help improve fine lines and wrinkles.

REDUCES ACNE

Thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it can also target acne breakouts, soothe inflammation and alleviate red, dry skin that accompanies acne. Complementing it with coconut oil to prevent acne scars helps strengthen skin for a healthier and more radiant complexion!

INTRODUCING: THE BALANCE – DAILY CLEANSING GEL

Balance – Daily Cleansing Gel, 30ml and 120ml

The Daily Cleansing Gel is made with a gentle blend which takes a three-pronged approach to cleansing: Soothe, Protect and Deep-Cleanse. Using a formula that incorporates all the goodness of a coconut combined with Cucumber, Sage and Aloe Vera extracts, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, rejuvenating, and it even balances out your skin’s pH levels! Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Soybean Extracts coupled with the coconut’s moisture and antioxidant content help prevent breakouts and removes impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils.

It’s about time we thanked Mother Nature for this phenomenal creation and make the most out of it. With regular use of the Balance – Daily Cleansing Gel, you’re on your way to smoother and brighter skin!

Shop now at www.shopporcelain.com and use code ‘WEAREBACK’ during checkout to receive 10% off your order and free local delivery when you spend above $100! Offer valid until 10 June 2018.

If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
– Mother Teresa

A day before our short trip..

One week before the Batam trip, we started raising funds for getting stationeries for the children. Look at the amount of stationeries we bought! We packed them equally into 100 bags for easier distribution to the kids.

Here are some of the pictures we took when we were at the childcare. These are pictures of the kids singing ‘thank you’ songs for us.

It was a tiring and fulfilling day. Our entire Porcelain Team enjoyed ourselves and in return, we bring back their warming smiles.

Testing: Animals are routinely cut open, poisoned, and forced to live in barren steel cages for years, although studies show that because of vast physiological variations between species, human reactions to illnesses and drugs are completely different from those of other animals. The main animal tests carried out for toiletries and cosmetics include tests for substance irritants, skin sensitivity, photo sensitivity, and toxicity tests. The effects on animals can range from mildly unpleasant to extremely unpleasant, depending on the substance tested and the type of test done.

What is Class B Animal Abuse?

Animals used by laboratories for testing purposes are largely supplied by dealers who specialize in the trade. These include breeders who supply purpose-bred animals; businesses that trade in wild animals; and dealers who supply animals sourced from pounds, auctions, and newspaper ads. Animal shelters may also supply the laboratories directly. Some animal dealers are reported to engage in kidnapping pets from residences or illegally trapping strays, a practice dubbed as “bunching”. The customers of animal dealers are universities, medical and veterinary schools, and companies that provide contract animal-testing services.

Animals shouldn’t have to die for things we don’t even need, like, would you die without makeup? No, but animals do die for it, and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Alternatives: Most scientists and governments say they agree that animal testing should cause as little suffering as possible, and that alternatives to animal testing need to be developed. The “three Rs”, first described by Russell and Burch in 1959, are guiding principles for the use of animals in research in many countries:

Replacement refers to the preferred use of non-animal methods over animal methods whenever it is possible to achieve the same scientific aim.

Reduction refers to methods that enable researchers to obtain comparable levels of information from fewer animals, or to obtain more information from the same number of animals.

Refinement refers to methods that alleviate or minimize potential pain, suffering or distress, and enhance animal welfare for the animals still used.

Two major alternatives to in vivo animal testing are in vitro cell culture techniques and in silico computer simulation. However, some claim they are not true alternatives since simulations use data from prior animal experiments and cultured cells often require animal derived products, such as serums. Others say that they cannot replace animals completely as they are unlikely to ever provide enough information about the complex interactions of living systems. Other alternatives, not subject to this criticism, involve the use of humans for skin irritancy tests and donated human blood for pyrogenicity studies. Another alternative is so-called microdosing, in which the basic behaviour of drugs is assessed using human volunteers receiving doses well below those expected to produce whole-body effects. (Alternatives abstracted from Wikipedia.)

The next time you wish to purchase an animal tested product, be it cosmetic, skincare products or shampoos, look at these photos again and decide.

We can’t control the whole world to stop animal testing, but we can do our parts by not supporting animal-tested product. Put yourself into their shoes, if it hurts you, it probably hurts them too.